prey

prey
/ prā/
•
n.
an animal that is hunted and killed by another for food:
the kestrel is ready to pounce on unsuspecting prey. ∎
a person or thing easily injured or taken advantage of:
he was easy prey for the two con men. ∎
a person who is vulnerable to distressing emotions or beliefs:
the settlers become prey to nameless fears. ∎ archaic
plunder or (in biblical use) a prize.
•
v. [intr.] (prey on/upon)
hunt and kill for food:
small birds that prey on insect pests. ∎
take advantage of; exploit or injure:
this is a mean type of theft by ruthless people preying on the elderly. ∎
cause constant trouble and distress to:
the problem had begun to prey on my mind.PHRASES:fall prey to
be hunted and killed by:
small rodents fell prey to domestic cats. ∎
be vulnerable to or overcome by:
he would often fall prey to melancholy.DERIVATIVES:prey·er
n.

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